Swift-Foot Deer, Champion of the Fikto Desert
The Fikto Desert is a land of rolling dunes, sandstorms, and oppressive heat. Most creatures are inactive during the day, coming out at night when the temperature would make the Frozen Wastes feel like a vacation. In contrast to that, however, are the Swift-Foot Deer that are native to the area.
Distantly related to the Red Deer of the Heartlands and the Marsh Swimmer of Hrongo, the Swift-Foot is a small ungulate with long legs, big feet, and small horns. Easily mistaken for a goat at a distance, the Swift-Foot darts from dune to dune, ripping up budding vegetation as they go. Their mottled fur lets them blend in with the dunes; many of the nomadic tribes have humorous tales of walking into a herd of the beasts without realizing they were there. They have big ears and wide nostrils to help cool themselves down during the hottest parts of the day and snuggle close to one another at night to keep from freezing.
Swift-Foot deer live in small family groups, often not numbering more than a dozen individuals. Males travel in small groups of three to five and only approach females during mating season. Unlike most deer that will contest one another through displays of strength, Swift-Foot males have a hierarchy amongst their group. The strongest male will mate first; after a few days, the weakest will mate with any female that was not impregnated in the first round. The males will remain with the females for a few weeks afterwards, mating again as necessary to ensure that their genetics are passed on. Afterwards, they will go their separate ways.
Females will delay the development of the fetus in harsh conditions, sometimes holding off gestation for months at a time. Long periods of drought, however, will result in miscarriages or reabsorption of the fetus. Some matriarchs have been observed kicking younger females until they miscarry.
The nomadic people describe the meat as lean, a little stringy, but flavourful. It is best in a stew and makes wonderful jerky. The pelts are primarily used as enfant attire, but large cloaks have been sold in markets with detailed instructions on how to keep it looking its best.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments